Wall panels come in many shapes, styles—and thicknesses. But how do you choose the right panel thickness for your commercial or residential project?
Whether you’re working on a high-end hotel or a modern home office, the thickness of your wall panels directly affects acoustics, durability, and installation method. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the right decision.
1. Why Thickness Matters in Wall Panels
The thickness of a wall panel impacts:
- Sound Absorption – Thicker panels generally absorb more sound
- Strength and Durability – Thicker MDF or PET offers better structural integrity
- Visual Depth – Thicker panels create a more dramatic 3D effect on the wall
- Installation Options – Slim panels are easier for DIY; thicker ones need bracketing
Choosing the right thickness means balancing design goals, functional requirements, and project budget.
2. Common Thickness Options and Their Use Cases
MasterWallPro offers a variety of thicknesses, including:
| Thickness | Best Use Cases | Material Type |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm | Decorative only, low-traffic areas | PET, MDF |
| 12mm | Light soundproofing, home use | PET |
| 15mm | Hotel rooms, office partitions | PET, MDF |
| 18mm | Commercial walls with moderate acoustic needs | MDF |
| 21mm+ | High-end projects, public buildings, 3D styles | MDF, composite |
Tip: For sound insulation, we recommend 12–21mm. For cost efficiency, 9–12mm is optimal.
3. Soundproofing Considerations by Thickness
If your goal is sound reduction (NRC rating improvement), panel thickness plays a big role.
- 9mm PET Panel → NRC ~ 0.35
- 12mm PET Panel → NRC ~ 0.65
- 18mm PET/MDF Hybrid → NRC ~ 0.75–0.85
✅ Thicker acoustic panels reduce echo, improve voice clarity, and create a calmer indoor environment. Great for:
- Offices
- Conference rooms
- Hotel guest rooms
- Studios and media rooms
4. Structural and Aesthetic Considerations
- Slim Panels (≤12mm): Sleek, minimalistic. Easier to ship and install.
- Medium Panels (15–18mm): Good balance between form and function.
- Thick Panels (21mm+): High-end aesthetics, ideal for deep grooves or layered textures.
Use thicker panels for 3D effects, wave surfaces, or wood slat designs.
5. How to Choose the Right Thickness for Your Project
Before placing an order, ask yourself:
- What’s the main goal—aesthetic or acoustic?
- What kind of space—home, hotel, office, public venue?
- Are there local building code requirements for fire or acoustic ratings?
- How will the panels be installed—glue, clips, screws?
Get It Right from the Start
The right wall panel thickness can improve both performance and project success. Whether you’re an interior designer or contractor, making this decision early helps avoid costly adjustments later.
At MasterWallPro, we offer fully customizable PET and MDF wall panels from 9mm to 25mm and beyond. We also provide technical sheets and NRC lab reports upon request.
